EXpressions

Inspiration Singapore’s emergence as an independent state was neither simple nor pain-free. Following the granting of self-rule from the British in 1959 and Singapore’s brief, fraught union with Malaysia, the result was a painful divorce from Malaysia in August 1965. As The Economist puts it, it was with tears, not joy, that Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s first prime minister, announced the island’s independence.

Much has been achieved since then, and the island state has become one of the most prosperous nations in the world. But it is a journey that was not easy, with moments ranging from joy to fright, sadness to exhilaration, anger to love. It is this range of emotions, which Singaporeans across diverse communities have expressed while reflecting on their thoughts and hopes for the nation.

Singapore emerged as an independent state in 1965 and has since become one of the most prosperous nations in the world. This inspiring fifty years has been captured in a range of emotions among Singaporeans reflecting their journey. This journey of ups and downs, of opposite and contrary emotions, interdependent and interconnected, expresses the complimentary forces of the Yin and the Yang.

Expressions series comprises of 20 paintings in ten pairs has been inspired by the duality of the Yin and Yang of emotions much like fire and water, light and dark, expanding and contracting and so on as seen in the natural world. Hence joy becomes the compliment of sorrow, Ecstasy the compliment of Agony etc.

The human mind is the root of all our emotions, thoughts and behaviour its communication being through brainwaves. Waves follow the principle of the Yin and Yang of energy, the creation of the trough being dependent on the formation of the crest.

Inspired by Chinese opera, Japanese Kabuki theatre, which together with Greek tragic-comedy and Indian Sanskrit opera is one of the oldest dramatic art forms in the world. While its unique melodies may sound strange to unaccustomed ears, the characteristic bold and dramatic make- up has universal appeal. Exaggerated designs are painted on each performer's face to symbolize the character's personality, role, and fate. Indeed, familiar audiences can grasp the story simply by observing the facial painting and costumes. Mohanbabu draws inspiration from this classical tradition, while adopting a minimalist modern approach inspired by her background in architecture and fashion design.​Visual elements of The Kabuki theatre and Chinese opera along with wave forms and elements from nature have been adapted with a minimalist modern approach inspired by Lakshmi’s background in Architecture and Fashion design. Shapes are formed in the viewers mind without defining contours of the face with a degree of realism in the eyes and the mouth to enhance a particular emotion.

The colours used are Black, White and Red. Black and White depict the traditional Yin Yang showing opposing elements and Red and White represent the colours of the Singapore flag.

The choice of paper is in line with its use through the ages in Japanese and Chinese paintings. Acrylic, a modern medium is in line with the theme of Yin & Yang hence the blend on old and new. All if it is done in minimalistic style with each painting taking about three months to complete from concept to creation.

​Expressions Comping alive

Expressions Series is a Set Of 20 Paintings Size : 64cmX94cmMedium: Acrylic on PaperWooden frame Ready to HangFully Copy righted - No Prints - No Copies Only Originals.​Copyright No: VA0002000207

LOVE “Butterfly kiss”A profoundly tender, passionate affection is suggested by the light touch or caress of a butterfly’s wings as an expression of love.

HATE “Piercing stare”The penetrating glare of hatred and hostility is reinforced with daggers piercing the eyes. Oh! If looks could kill!

JOY “Bubbling laughter”Happiness and gaiety! Bubbles bursting forth from a bottle of champagne! However short-lived the bubbles, that moment is forever cherished.​

​SORROW “Tearful meltdown”Suffering caused by loss and disappointment is portrayed by the meltdown towards pain and despair.

SINGING “Song bird’s melody”The loud trilling of the opera singer or the nightingale’s sweet music! A pair of birds is perched on the singer. ​

​SCREECHING “Strident cry”The screech is released from the bondage of the strangling vine.

ENIGMA “Hooked to a cloud of altering emotions”The ambiguous, the inexplicable! The mind a puzzle of thought conveys an expression open to interpretation as sorrow, happiness or even flirtation.

​THINKING “Pensive web”Spiders dangling like jewels, after having woven a web of bridges linking memories past and present, allowing access at random much like the world wide web, but hidden from the world.